Joining the Great and the Good The world is made of givers and takers. Philanthropists are givers. They also have assets providing the money they give away. As a regular reader of the Register you are likely a successful consultant, agent or advisor. Giving back is an excellent way of saying “thanks” for your good fortune. Giving back is also an excellent way to socialize with the movers and shakers in your community. Museum receptions are not filled with art historians. The crowd usually includes business owners, doctors, attorneys, CPAs, corporate executives and wealthy retired folks. There are lots of ways to give back. You have favorite causes. Support them, but add on a few others that will put you in the right circles for future business. What about passion? Is that important? Surprisingly, the answer is no. If you love classic cars or Renaissance art, certain museums are a good match. All you really need when joining an organization is an open mind coupled with an interest in learning. Those car dealers and commercial printers walking around the museum exhibits are not experts either. Choosing the Organizations Start by applying some order and method. It worked for Hercule Poirot. The ideal organization possesses four characteristics:
3. High Visibility — Choose high profile groups. Why: You don’t need to explain the rationale or mission. 4. Positive Impression — Avoid controversy. People can often take extreme views.
useums — They promote the • M accessibility of culture and learning to the entire population. Everyone can see art that once was only accessible by the privileged few. Historical societies, libraries, botanical gardens and zoos fit here too. • M edical Charities — Many causes have local chapters. Hospitals often have local fundraising groups that hold community events for the benefit of the big city institution. Social service charities like Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army and YMCAs fit too.
Attracts HNW individuals — Look for 1. organizations with lots of $ 1,000+ donors listed in their annual report.
Why: If your connection to a contentious cause is well known, many people will dislike you (and never do business) despite having never met you.
hy: People who give at the $1,000+ level W often make similar contributions elsewhere. Americans give about 2% of their disposable income to charity.
Never join with the sole goal of getting business. They can sense that immediately. The one exception is the Chamber, where it’s expected.
Provides Opportunities to meet them 2. — You want groups that hold monthly events.
So what are ideal organizations? Let’s consider nine examples in a traffic light format:
• Business Organizations — Chambers of Commerce often do good works. Charles Lindberg’s solo flight across the Atlantic was sponsored by the St. Louis Chamber of Commerce. (Was the Spirit of St. Louis a naming opportunity?)
Why: If you mingle quarterly or yearly it takes forever to get to know people.
The green lights are ideal. They tick all the boxes.
• Church or Religious Organization — You are giving back, not prospecting. Your
Page 24
The Register | November-December 2014